From the time that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) first impacted the performing arts, The Hub has been tracking postponements and cancellations by U.S. and international orchestras, performing arts centers, and conservatories.
The League of American Orchestras is posting resources and information about coping with the pandemic as a service to the orchestra field. These resources include information about the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security package; discussion groups and one-on-one consultations for League members; guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other authorities; and more. Find regularly updated resources and information on the League’s coronavirus preparedness site.
The following orchestras and music organizations have recently announced postponements, cancellations, and other shifts in concerts and related activities due to the global pandemic. Many orchestras, musicians, conservatories, and others are posting videos, recordings, and educational resources online free of charge; visit the League of American Orchestras’ new, regularly updated directory of digital programming at SymphonySpot.org. Note: orchestras and music festivals are revising their plans as the situation evolves; refer to individual websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information. (This list is not complete, and we will continue to post announcements as they arrive.)
The Adrian Symphony Orchestra (Michigan) has postponed its May 1 concert to a later date. The orchestra had previously postponed its March 13 concert due to the state’s restrictions on public gatherings. The orchestra is posting videos, stories, and resources on Facebook.
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Birmingham, Alabama) has extended previously announced event cancellations and postponements to June 7. Cancellations include the orchestra’s annual Symphony in the Summer series at Railroad Park in June; the orchestra hopes to perform at Railroad Park in the fall. Every Tuesday, the orchestra posts new videos of its musicians performing from home.
The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (Texas) cancelled its March 14 concert as well as its March 28 Pops in the Park concert at Whataburger Field due to coronavirus concerns.
The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (North Carolina), which had postponed concerts from March 25 to May 9, has announced new dates for three concerts: The Music of Queen has been rescheduled from April 4 to August 21; a pops concert with Matthew Morrison from April 18 to September 17; and a Gospel Celebration from June 19 to February 5, 2021.New dates for the orchestra’s classical and school concerts will be announced.
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (Winnipeg, Canada) has suspended the remainder of its 2019-20 season, which was to run through June 9. The orchestra is posting videos of its musicians in performance, educational resources, and a Spotify playlist.
The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts) has announced that the final concert of its South Coast Chamber Music Series on May 16 and 17 has been modified and will instead be live-streamed on May 17. The livestream will be available on the orchestra’s website and Facebook channel.
The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (Tennessee), parent organization of the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, Oak Ridge Chorus, and Oak Ridge Chamber Series, has postponed concerts through May 2, with new dates to be announced. The organization is posting videos of concerts and other activities on its website.
